I was talking to an immigration consultant today. He said that each and every case is different....circumstances are different...even the visa officer is different for different cases. So, my guess is that our timelines are different because of different visa officers and their varrying attitudes when it comes to judging marriages. I know of at least 5 Nikah only cases all of whom applied after me and their passports have arrived with visa.
I have a feeling that I am stuck with a particularly stubborn visa officer. Nevertheless, i hope for the very best, Insha Allah!